Researchers have genetically engineered mice to produce a human antioxidant enzyme in different areas of the body. The findings raise the possibility of extending life expectancy
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Special human enzymes produced by genetically engineered mice have been able to extend the lives of the mice and lead researchers to believe that the findings prove that it is possible to increase the lifespan and health of humans.
The mice were genetically engineered by American researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine, in order to produce a human antioxidant enzyme, which helped break down the acids (consisting of hydrogen acid) into water and oxygen. The research was based on the fact that chemicals known as free radicals exist in the body, which damage the body's cells and DNA by causing an oxidation reaction - a process similar to that which occurs when metal turns into rust. This process of releasing hydrogen acid into the body is caused during the body's metabolism.
The experimental mice were specially designed to produce a high amount of the enzyme, each mouse in a different area of the body - some produced the enzyme in the cytoplasm (the cell fluid that surrounds the cell nucleus); Some will produce the enzyme in the nucleus where the DNA is stored and some will produce the enzyme in the mitochondria (which provides the power to the cell nucleus and stores part of the DNA)
The study showed that the life span of a mouse that was designed to produce more enzymes in the mitochondria was at least 20% longer than the life span of its normal mouse companions. The mouse engineered to produce more enzymes in the nucleus and cytoplasm lived only slightly longer than a normal mouse.
The study, published in "Science" magazine, also showed that the mouse that produced the enzymes in the mitochondria developed healthier heart muscles, indicating that the enzyme helped protect against age-related heart problems seen in normal mice.
According to the director of the study, Dr. Peter Rabinovitch, "the study supports the age theory of free radicals and shows their importance to the aging process." In addition, Rabinovitch said, the study supports the idea that mitochondria are the main supplier of free radicals that are harmful to the body, as part of daily metabolism.
"The findings can be used as a basis for drugs or other treatments that protect the body from free radicals and possibly also for other conditions related to aging," Rabinovitch said, adding that until now "people have focused on diseases specific to aging, since they believed that the process itself cannot be affected, which we It is now hypothesized that by intervening in the aging process we will be able to achieve a significant increase in health and life expectancy."
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